Akhenaten

Akhenaten

Incantations Through The Gates of Irkalla (2015)

label: Satanath Records (Russia), Murdher Records (Italy), Darzamadicus Records (Macedonia)

release: 20 December 2015

*

*

Akhenaten (Colorado, U.S.) is the work of two metal blood brothers, Wyatt Houseman (vocals, lyrics) and Jerred Houseman (guitars, drums, bass), who have two projects that I am a bit familiar with: Akhenaten and Helleborus. I guess it was last year, 2015, that I heard the black metal of Helleborus and I immediately liked the vocals. I liked the music, too, but I noticed the vocals, which, in my opinion, are possibly the best new extreme metal vocals that I heard in 2015. For me, the vocals stood out a lot and I remember thinking that they were especially good. Thus, I was looking forward to getting to know this Akhenaten album on account of the vocals of Wyatt Houseman.

Akhenaten is an entity that is something like “exotic” extreme metal with major Middle Eastern/Arabian elements: "Middle Eastern ethno dark industrial black metal." There is a symphonic vibe and the Middle Eastern/Arabian components are upfront, an indispensable part of the music, not just low-volume background sounds. In this music, despite the “world music” sounds, the black metal does not disappear completely. The guitar is present, even if it’s not raging all the time, obviously. I like the fact that the percussion is present throughout, too. If there is a beat, then that keeps my interest. I am not looking for long periods of ambience or yoga music, you understand. Anyway, like I was saying, I like the vocals, but I knew that coming in. That was part of the deal. I expected those vocals to be present because if they were not, then I was probably going to go find the exit door. I usually see the word “industrial” and I’m out the door. Mr. Houseman screams/growls similar to prime-time Chuck Schuldiner/ Mikael Åkerfeldt/David Vincent. There is a thickness to Mr. Houseman’s voice. I hope that he can actually do the vocals for real, and not just studio magic. The vocals are closer to black metal in feel, but they do not sound annoying like screechy vocals do for some people. There is a certain smoothness to them. There is definitely an expressiveness to them, too, that’s for sure.

The “exotic” elements are upbeat, like belly-dancing music, in a similar way that Nile or Melechesh is belly-dancing music. Akhenaten sounds very melodic due to these elements. Given that this is supposedly just two people, there are several issues that you might be pondering. It sounds like the drumming is drum programming and not real drums. What about all that Middle Eastern instrumentation? Is it real instruments? I cannot find anywhere where it says that Mr. Jerred Houseman plays other instruments besides guitar and bass.

Don’t trust what I say, though. Hear the album for yourself at the Bandcamp link below.

www.akhenatenmusic.bandcamp.com/album/incantations-through-the-gates-of-irkalla

www.facebook.com/akhenatenmetal/

old metal festival in California, U.S.

If you love old metal, check this info out. It will be in California.

Sunburst (by The Man of Much Metal)

Artist: Sunburst

Album Title: Fragments Of Creation

Label: Inner Wound Recordings

Date Of Release: 26 February 2016

If you’re familiar with the names of Black Fate or Paradox, then the clientele behind Sunburst will not be a revelation to you. Why? Because ‘Fragments Of Creation’ is the debut album by the duo behind those aforementioned bands, namely guitarist Gus Drax and vocalist Vasilis Georgiou. I must admit that, thanks to the curse of the ‘too much music, too little time’ syndrome, both Black Fate and Paradox have thus far eluded me. However, if the standard on this record is a barometer of the quality across the board for this duo, I think I’d better make time.

If you’ve ever laid awake at night and wondered how a slightly lighter Nevermore would sound blended with Kamelot, then prepare to lose sleep no longer. Add in a healthy dose of European power metal melody as well as plenty of dextrous, blazing guitar solos, licks and embellishments and the Sunburst recipe is pretty much complete. And I have to admit that it’s an intoxicating recipe. Whether or not this unmitigated blast of heavy metal ear candy can hold the attention of listeners over the longer term remains to be seen, but for now, all I can say is that I’m impressed and entertained.

Sunburst may have been created by the Greek duo but drummer Kostas Milonas and bassist Nick Grey play their parts ably in helping to shape the way this band sounds, creating a solid foundation upon which all else sits. A strong, and clear production assists the Sunburst cause as well, meaning that all the fundamentals are present and correct.

The album wastes absolutely no time in getting going either. ‘Out Of The World’ erupts from the speakers with the kind of down-tuned thrash-inspired swirling, chugging riff that Nevermore would be proud of. It’s slick, deft and gets the blood pumping in a proper statement of intent. If anything, the hook-laden and anthemic chorus is even better, begging to be sung along with from the first spin. Naturally, from Drax, a guitarist tutored by Ioannis Anastassakis, there’s room for a great solo before the track draws to a close.

On top of all this, Georgiou’s vocals can’t fail to catch the ear and I actually found myself double-checking the press release to ensure that it wasn’t ex-Kamelot vocalist Roy Khan behind the mic. Georgiou is an extremely competent singer in his own right but there’s no denying the similarities; the tones and phrasings frequently call to mind the Norwegian which, in my opinion isn’t a bad thing as I miss Khan at the head of Kamelot.

To be honest, ‘Fragments Of Creation’ isn’t the most varied of records and so the tone set on the opening composition is by and large continued throughout the remaining nine songs. As such, big, muscular riffs, barnstorming choruses and plenty of lead six-string action are the order of the day for nigh-on an hour. And you know what? I dig it. But then, what’s not to like? This is the kind of music that plants a great big smile of your face and makes you feel good. The vitality, the power and the sense of unabashed fun shines through each song, making it a real joy to listen to.

And the fact that the album is so consistent from start to finish simply underlines the quality of the song writing on offer from Georgiou and Drax. The guys know what they are doing and they do it very well.

‘Dementia’ is ushered in on a modern-sounding synth-derived effect before giving way to a catchy and expressive lead guitar melody and an even more memorable chorus. ‘Symbol Of Life’ is a killer track that’s dominated by a lightning fast lead guitar lick atop a deep down-tuned riff and topped off by arguably the best chorus on the record.

The pace is momentarily slowed via the ballad ‘Lullaby’ which is pure Kamelot at their very best before ‘End Of The Game’ reintroduces a little more thrash-inspired edginess. Then there’s the vaguely AOR-tinged leanings of Forevermore’ and the instrumental ‘Beyond The Darkest Sun’, which allows Georgiou to take a break and allows Drax’s guitar to sing with fantastic results.

The only true curveball is then delivered by ‘Remedy Of My Heart’ which closes the album in grandiose fashion. At over 12 minutes, it is by far the longest song and it’s also the most ambitious, mixing the usual melodic metal output with lashings of dramatic, cinematic pomposity.

As I said before, I worry about the longevity of the album. But that small concern aside, there’s very little else to quibble about. ‘Fragments Of Creation’ is a whole lot of fun but more than that, it is fun wrapped up in ten melodic heavy metal anthems. Super.

The Score Of Much Metal: 8.0

www.twitter.com/ManOfMuchMetal

www.manofmuchmetal.wordpress.com

Cirith Ungol remembered by Akerblogger

Akerblogger is doing this crazy project of going through a bunch of bands in alphabetical order. Check it out.

Alphabetical Discovery - Week C, Day Five: Cirith Ungol

In 1972, riding dragons arising from the sandy vistas of California, Cirith Ungol breathed their first eccentric flames. They didn't release anything until 1980's debut full-length Frost and Fire, a more conventionally heavy-metal record that flaunted elements of the eccentricities - croaking, higher-pitched, goblin-throated vocals and an engulfing bass lead sound - that would catapult Cirith Ungol into power-doom-progressive realms with their three later releases.

'Atom Smasher' opens 1984's King of the Dead album - its bubbling, warped bass lines ensnaring as strained vocals welcome the listener to 'the brave new world' and guitars progress and solo into an atom-smashing oblivion: this is just the tip of the iceberg, an example of things to come. Perhaps jarring at first, the odd production and idiosyncratic vocals, for me at least, grow more endearing and ultimately work in harmony with the fantastical themes. Yet underneath the quirky soundscapes are incredible instrumentals - there are speed-riffs, doom-riffs, psychedelic-riffs, punk-riffs, jazz-riffs, jazz drumming, thrash-drumming: riffs to satisfy all your needs! Cirith Ungol's sound is ultimately a power-doom hybrid - part Sabbath, part Rush, part The Grateful Dead.

And the doomier elements - not to say the other aspects are sub-par - are strikingly good: the seven-minute 'Master of the Pit' a particular example of quirk mixed with an aggressiveness and a bluesy-progressiveness; 'King of the Dead' a downcast journey; 'Finger of Scorn' a conflict between folky-prog and expansive doom. 1986's One Foot In Hell and 1991's Paradise Lost are equally as interesting, with songs about doomed planets and trolls (a song about the internet way before its time) and even a cover of 'Fire' by Arthur Brown. First reactions might be 'what the hell am I listening to?' but after the initial tumult of banshee wails, pulsating solos and crazy progressions you'll be sucked into a memorable and endearing world.

www.twitter.com/akerblogger666

www.akerblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/alphabetical-discovery-week-c-day-five.html

concert: April 30 Fear Factory, Soilwork at El Corazón - Seattle, WA

April 30 Fear Factory, Soilwork at El Corazón - Seattle, WA

Seattle region concert calendar

-

-

Seattle region concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine, here, on Facebook or on Twitter. -

-

February 28 Transcribing The Necronomicon, The Devils of Loudon, Anthropocene, Darkness Stole the Sky, and Kommand at Highline - Seattle, WA

*

*

March 3 Children Of Bodom at El Corazón, Seattle *

*

-

-

March 5 Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Cryptopsy, Abysmal Dawn at El Corazon - Seattle, WA *

*

March 06 American Wrecking Company at Funhouse - Seattle, WA

*

*

March 6 Helloween at The Showbox

March 7 Delain, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish at Showbox SoDo

*

*

*

*

March 11 A Flourishing Scourge, Ghostblood at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

*

*

March 19 Slayer, Testament, Carcass at Paramount Theater - Seattle

*

*

March 19 Queensryche at Snoqualmie Casino Showroom - Snoqualmie, WA

*

*

March 24 Y & T at Studio Seven Seattle

*

*

March 25 Lycus at Highline, Seattle, WA

*

*

March 27 Lycus at Obsidian - Olympia, WA

*

*

March 28 Satan, Skelator at Highline, Seattle, WA *

*

March 26 Bell Witch at Highline, Seattle, WA *

*

April 1 Decibel Magazinel Tour ABBATH, High On Fire, Tribulation, Skeletonwitch at El Corazon - Seattle, WA

*

*

April 11 Absu, Thantifaxath at Highline, Seattle, WA

*

*

April 11 Iron Maiden at Tacoma Dome

*

*

April 14 Iron Kingdom, Skelator, Substratum at The Kraken Bar and lounge - Seattle, WA

*

*

April 18 Malevolent Creation, Pyrexia at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA *

*

April 23 D.R.I. at El Corazón *

*

April 25 Sarcalogos TBA - Seattle, WA

*

*

April 30 Fear Factory, Soilwork at El Corazón - Seattle, WA

*

*

May 1 Napalm Death at The Showbox - Seattle, WA

May 08 Primal Fear, Luca Turilli's Rhapsody at El Corazon - Seattle, WA

*

*

May 14 The Drip at Highline - Seattle, WA

*

*

May 17 Amon Amarth, Entombed AD, Exmortus at Showbox Market - Seattle, WA

*

*

June 05 Iron Kingdom at Tony V's Garage - Everett, WA

*

*

June 14 American Wrecking Company at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA *

*

* *

June 17 Perdition Temple, Sempiternal Dusk at Highline, Seattle, WA

* *

August 12, 13, 24 MIGRATION FESTIVAL at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: AUROCH, THE BODY & KRIEG collaborative performance, CHRISTIAN MISTRESS, DEAD TO A DYING WORLD, FALSE, FÓRN, FULL OF HELL, KHEMMIS, KOWLOON WALLED CITY, KRALLICE, MUTILATION RITES, NIGHTFELL, OBSEQUIAE, PALE CHALICE, THOU, VASTUM, VHOL, and YELLOW EYES.

concert: May 14 The Drip at Highline - Seattle, WA

May 14

The Drip at Highline - Seattle, WA

concert: April 18 Pyrexia at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

April 18 Pyrexia at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

concert: March 27 Lycus at Obsidian - Olympia, WA

concert: March 27 Lycus at Obsidian - Olympia, WA

concert: American Wrecking Company - Seattle, WA

March 06 American Wrecking Company at Funhouse - Seattle, WA June 14 American Wrecking Company at Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

Split Heaven

Split Heaven

Death Rider

label: Pure Steel Records

release: March 25th 2016

What does Split Heaven mean? It means traditional heavy metal headbanging glory that’s what! Plus, if you keep up with traditional heavy metal from here in the Seattle area, then you know that the band Skelator are guardians of the flame. As a merciful fate would have it, Split Heaven’s vocalist is none other than Jason Conde-Houston, the banshee screamer for Skelator, which is great because both bands share the same values as they are old cerveza-drinking bandidos of heavy metal and loyalists to the tradition with a passion that is huge, huge I tell you.

Who are you? Are you traditional heavy metal? If you are not, do you want to find out? Whether you are young and just getting started, or young at heart and a walking library of the knowledge of traditional heavy metal, Split Heaven is for those that want to raise a fist in the air or bang their heads or mosh or do some real metal foot tapping at the office, this band is making metal and proudly keeping the tradition alive.

What does Split Heaven really want? The sound of guitars that sing, the riffs that you can remember, the drumming that make you react, the songs that you’ll want to hear again and again and the sound that will make you sing in the shower or in your bedroom where you can be the best singer that the world has ever seen with your leather and your spikes and your microphone moves to rival Judas Priest and Accept!

Split Heaven is a band from Mexico, but their vocalist lives in the Seattle area, but Jason is Mexican, so Split Heaven is a Mexican band separated by distance but united by metal. On this album there are 10 songs, eight in English and two in Spanish. The Spanish-language songs are lessons in Spanish, too. This is what traditional heavy metal sounds like in Spanish, which means that it sounds the same as in English because the language changes nothing, metal is metal is metal. Sing it, “Descarga letal! Es puro metal!” Yeah, that’s how it goes and I think your habilidades en español just got a little bit mejor gracias a Split Heaven. As they say in Spanish, “Danke schön, Split Heaven! Es ist gut!” Rock out to Split Heaven, maybe you learn to play guitar or bang it out on the drums. Maybe you can learn to play the bass. You can always be a singer like Jason and front the band. Maybe you can listen to Split and Saxon and proudly steal their lyrics like somebody else I know who just did it.

The album has speedster songs like “Death Rider,” songs that kick up the speed to thrash metal levels and take the vocal screams to higher and higher decibels. The album also anthems like “Battle Axe,” songs that call out to you to join the ranks. I already told you about the Spanish-language songs and I already told you about the attitude of the band. In metal there are always trends that come and go, but for Split Heaven heavy metal is not a trend, it is music that is in their minds and bodies and they live it. If you feel the same way, if you think that way, too, this is a perfect time to look into Split Heaven and listen to what they have made for you. They do this for you, you know?

www.puresteel-records.com/bands/view/37/Split_Heaven

www.facebook.com/Split-Heaven-161260646133/

Metal Bulletin Zine number 77

Metal Bulletin Zine number 77

Temisto

Omnium Gatherum

Panndora

Ninja

Atrocious Abnormality

Deformatory

Abyssic

Primitiv

HellArise

Assorted Heap

M-H (WA state) (free)

Crypter (free)

Revenant Vrykolakos (free)

**NEW** METAL BULLETIN #77

www.fuglymaniacs.com

free metal from Brazil: Dark Devotion

Dark Devotion (Brazil)

Loss

release date: January 4th, 2016

label: independent

This is a solid EP of melodic extreme metal with a good sense for songwriting, very keen on the songs themselves. The sound quality is that of a strong demo and it's definitely listenable, even though it's not as clear as I'm sure the band would like. The music is both melodic and symphonic, with a melodic black metal vibe to it, but with gruff vocals. Metal Archives shows that the band began in 2015 and the band's Facebook page sadly offers nothing in the way of a biography or history of the band, so there's no way to know the history of the band at the moment. Metal Archives provides the following membership: Guilherme Ballas (bass),Gustavo Dörr (drums), Otávio Darr (guitars), Guilherme Lima (guitars, vocals). The recording is really three songs because the third track is not a song, but an atmospheric sound experiment. Overall, this free recording is promising on the strength of the songwriting and the execution of the songs. Of course, it is early in the trajectory of the band, but one can hear that there is potential here and that's what it's all about: show that you have something going for yourself, show where you are going. They do that and that's a very good reason to check them out now.

1.Loss 05:28

2.Leave the Past Behind 03:36

3.Marcha Fúnebre 04:46 instrumental

4.Grief, Pain and Despair 06:30

total time 20:20

www.darkdevotion.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/darkdevotioncult